Hurricanes come in all different sizes and severities. While some cause superficial damage and very few casualties, others can be severe and can even lead to deaths in the thousands.
Below is information about the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900 (the deadliest storm to ever hit U.S. shores), how preparedness has changed throughout the years to avoid the same level of devastation, and what you can do to protect your property, your loved ones, and yourself from upcoming storms.
The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900
To this day, the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the United States is the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. This immense storm led to the death of between 6,000-12,000 people, primarily in Galveston, Texas.
The category 4 hurricane had a storm surge of up to 15 feet high, and it overwhelmed the seawall that the city of Galveston had constructed to protect it.
Due to the immense damage caused by the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, Galveston rebuilt the seawall to be even more robust and protect against future storms. The storm also led to the adoption of better evacuation planning and hurricane preparedness.
With the improvement of forecasting, emergency planning, warning systems, and evacuation procedures, the likelihood of the same level of devastation is extremely unlikely. With that said, it’s important to be prepared for any sort of hurricane—big or small.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
If you live in Florida, it’s absolutely necessary to prepare yourself for hurricane season. You never know what Florida hurricane season 2024 will bring. Here are some tips for preparing for a hurricane:
- Prepare your roof, shutters, windows, and more
- Purchase non-perishable food and water
- Purchase pet food and supplies
- Purchase diapers and baby formula
- Take out cash in case you need to travel
- Purchase a first-aid kit
- Check your insurance coverage and make sure everything is up-to-date
- Safely store documents in a waterproof container
- Take photos of your home before any storms in case you need them when filing a claim
- Ensure you have a reasonable supply of any medications you are taking
What If I File My Claim and My Insurance Provider Denies It in Bad Faith?
As you can see with The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, hurricanes can be devastating. A bad hurricane can lead to serious property damage, which will in turn lead to you filing an insurance claim. If you followed the tips above, your insurance provider is obligated to pay your claim. If they decide to deny your claim in bad faith, reach out to Colucci Law Group for support.
Colucci Law Group consists of legal experts who provide clients with support to fight bad faith claim denials. We will provide you with an expert property insurance lawyer to represent you in a suit against your insurance provider. We are also able to file your claim for you and defend your rights, so you get the settlement that you deserve.
For more information about our property insurance legal services, reach out today. We’d be happy to help you to file your claim or represent you in a lawsuit against your insurance provider.
If you suspect that you are the victim of a bad faith insurance claim denial, we can help. The Colucci Law Group has the resources to assess the validity of your claim at no cost to you. For a free consultation, email us or call our Dunedin office at 727-733-9438. You may also call our Fort Myers office at 239-378-7800. Our team assists victims of bad-faith insurance claims across the state of Florida.